A Letter from the EO - Golden Voices and Autumn Updates

Dear EC Members,

As the leaves turn and we move gently into autumn, I hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying the change in season. Autumn always feels like a time for reflection and renewal, a chance to look back at what we’ve achieved and look forward to what’s still to come.

We’ve had an inspiring few months at the Elders Council. The Book Project has been one of the highlights so far, bringing together wonderful stories, memories, and moments from our members and communities. It’s been heartwarming to see how much creativity and collaboration it has inspired already. Sessions are still running, so if you haven’t yet joined in, there’s still time to take part, we would love to hear your voice and your story. Please contact Don Jenkins at bookproject@elderscouncil.org.uk for more information.

I’m also delighted to share some fantastic news: our Older Voices radio programme has won Gold in the ‘Voices of the Community Award’ at the 2025 Community Radio Awards!

This award recognises the very best of community radio across the UK, and Older Voices, produced entirely by older people, is the only radio magazine programme of its kind in the country. With a median age of 82, the team continues to show just how powerful, creative, and relevant older voices are in today’s media landscape. I would like to take a moment to extend a special thank you to Steve Whitley for all of his contributions and continued effort.

Congratulations to the entire Older Voices team for this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to Radio Tyneside, the Later Life Audio and Radio Cooperative, and all those who support and listen each week.

If you’d like to tune in, you can catch the Older Voices Radio Show every Wednesday evening from 6–7 pm on Radio Tyneside (93.6 FM, DAB, online, or via smart speaker), or listen again on MixCloud. And if you’re curious about getting involved or contributing a story or segment, please do get in touch, the team would love to hear from you.

As we continue to build toward our 25th anniversary in 2026, it’s wonderful to see our members’ creativity and dedication shining through in so many ways — from our radio work and research groups, to local projects, wellbeing activities, and campaigning for an age-friendly, age-proud Newcastle. The strength of the Elders Council has always been in its people, in your ideas, energy, and voices, and that continues to guide everything we do.

We’ll be sharing more updates soon about our upcoming events and the next phase of our anniversary preparations. In the meantime, thank you for being such an essential part of this community, for your time, your wisdom, and your continued support. Together, we are ensuring that older people’s voices remain heard, valued, and celebrated across our city.

Speak soon,

Victoria

Executive Officer

Elders Council of Newcastle